Stephan El Shaarawy Should No Longer Be a Target for EPL Squads

Much to the chagrin of Chelsea, Arsenal and probably several other clubs around the world, Stephan El Shaarawy isn't going anywhere this summer.

Unless, of course, we're talking about San Siro—because the 20-year-old AC Milan star is certainly headed back to those hallowed grounds for the 2012-13 season.

That's according to Milan Vice President Adriano Galliani, who in an interview with 7 Gold Television, per Football Italia, revealed both that there is major interest in El Shaarawy—and that the youngster isn't going anywhere:

“What we hadn’t told anyone was that we received a very big offer for El Shaarawy, but I will never name the club involved. It is a very important club, though,” said Galliani.

“I informed the players’ agent and as soon as he returned from the Confederations Cup I spoke to Stephan.

“We did not want to sell him, so we simply informed the lad and his family that this proposal had arrived for him.

“I asked him what he wanted to do. He said the money he had was more than sufficient, that he is a Milan fan and did not want to leave. I kissed him on the cheek and that was that.”

No one really knows if Galliani is speaking the truth, but it seems pretty cut and dry: Interested team makes offer to player's club. Player's club informs player. Player says he wants to stay with current club.

It's unfortunate for Chelsea, Arsenal and any other suitors.

El Shaarawy was tremendous last season, scoring 18 goals across Serie A and Champions League competitions. He was especially dominant in Italy, piling up 16 goals, four assists and an average match rating of 7.3, per WhoScored.com.

The latter of those numbers was third best on the squad, behind just Mario Balotelli's half-season and Riccardo Montolivo.

Blessed with blazing pace, beautiful ball control and solid finishing, the youngster is easily one of the most tantalizing, potential-filled players in the world.

Although this is likely disappointing news for Chelsea and Arsenal, both clubs have been involved in quite a few rumors this summer and have a number of talented goal-scoring options on the radar.

El Shaarawy may be staying in Italy, but there are still many other ways for his suitors to improve in the coming month.